men of their just expectations in virtue of promises
made to them. Those also are scandalous, and
cause the name of God to be evil spoken of. 10.
Entering into a marriage relation with such as are
apparently in an unbelieving, carnal, and unconverted
state and condition; for this also is very offensive
to holy serious men, although many make very light
of it. 11. Idleness and slothfulness in your
external calling, neglecting to provide for your own
house, as that will prove a scandalous sin to others
and to yourselves too. 12. Taking up a report
rashly against one another of a scandalous nature,
giving ear unto tattlers, and busybodies; or being
busybodies in other men’s matters yourselves,
as this will give great offence.

NO. II.[122]

Quest. Who have a right to preach the
gospel and dispense the public ordinances of religion?

Ans. Without some proper furniture, it
is absurd to imagine any should be sent of God to
the ministerial work. When the ascended Jesus
gave to the church apostles, evangelists; pastors
and teachers, he gave gifts to men. Who, saith
he, goeth at, any time a warfare on his own charges?
What is the furniture, the qualifications prerequisite,
according to the Holy Scriptures? A blameless
conversation, a good report; experience of the self-debasing
work of the Spirit of God; compassion to the souls
of men; a fixedness in the Christian doctrines; a
disposition faithfully to perform his vows; an aptness
to teach the ignorant, and convince gainsayers.
Knowledge of languages, knowledge of the history and
sciences of this world, are useful handmaids to assist
us in the study of divine things. To preach from
the oracles of God, without capacity to peruse the
original, especially if versant in romances and plays,
we abhor and detest. This aptness to teach, however,
consists not chiefly in any of these, but in a capacity
to conceive spiritual things, and with some distinctness
to express their conceptions to the edification of
others, in that energy and life, whereby one, as affected
himself, declares the truths of God, in a simple,
serious, bold, and conscience-touching manner.
The difference of this, from human eloquence, loud
bawling, and theatrical action, is evident. These
may touch the passions, and not affect the conscience:
they may procure esteem to the preacher, none to Christ.
These are the product of natural art: this the
distinguished gift of God, without which, in a certain
degree, none can have evidence that he was divinely
sent to minister the gospel of Christ.